No real surprises when first acceptances were taken on Monday for the $3m Doncaster Mile.
Apart from the defection of triple Group 1 winner Moment Of Change, which was sent for a spell following his flop in the Newmarket Handicap, all the major players remain in the Doncaster.
Top weight It’s A Dundeel, dual Group 1 winner Boban, triple Group 1 winner appearance and Irish visitor Gordon Lord Byron all remain in the Doncaster.
Smokin’ Joey, runner-up behind Boban in the Emirates Stakes, is one, however, who wasn’t among the 74 first acceptors.
Bendigo Mile winner Fat Al received a 1kg penalty to take his Doncaster weight to 51.5kg, but Peter Moody hasn’t locked in a Doncaster start for the Epsom handicap winner.
As it currently stands Dear Demi would be the last horse into the Doncaster, which can accommodate 20 starters.
If, as expected, It’s A Dundeel does not run in the Doncaster then the weights would have to rise until a horse carries the minimum weight of 58kg for a Group 1.
Boban is second top weight with 56.5 along with Gordon Lord Byron, but trainer Tom Hogan is leaning to running the international visitor in the TJ Smith.
Next in the handicaps is Group 1 Canterbury Stakes winner Appearance, who is currently weighted on 55.5kg.
– Racing Network
